Reports

$200 to $500 can cut your premium on collision by 15 to 30 percent. If you have a good driving record and haven’t had an at-fault accident in years, if ever, opting for a higher deductible on collision might be a good bet.

• Take advantage of discounts. Car insurers offer a whole range of modest but worthwhile discounts that are essentially based on a low-risk lifestyle. Consumer Reports suggests asking your insurer about students with good grades, older drivers who have taken a refresher course and members of affinity groups, such as college alumni and certain occupations

and professions.

• Multiple-policy holders. Insurers also offer fairly hefty auto discounts if you also buy your homeowners, renter’s or life insurance policy from them. But be sure you check out total costs both ways: premiums from different insurers compared with single-insurer packages.

• Manage teenagedriver risk. Adding a teenager

to your policy can hike your costs by 50 to 100 percent. Make sure your child takes a safedriving course before getting a license. Make it a rule that unsafe driving will mean loss of driving privileges.

• Maintain a good credit score. According to Consumer Reports, most states allow insurance companies to use your credit

score as a factor in setting your premiums. Ask your insurance company if it does that. But regularly check and correct creditreporting errors anyhow. If your finances have been adversely affected by the recession, military deployment, divorce, job loss, death of a family member or medical problems, ask your insurer for an exception.

• Choose your car shrewdly. Vehicle damage is the biggest cost component for auto insurers, so premiums will vary by auto model. When comparing models, ask your insurer for premium quotes on the different models under consideration.